SENIOR ATTORNEY COMPLIANCE/ETHICS OFFICER

EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY and COMPLIANCE/ETHICS OFFICER providing a unique blend of many years of litigation and transactional accomplishments and a more formal leadership role in compliance/ethics program management. A result-oriented attorney skilled in the handling and successful resolution of complex disputes and the negotiating and drafting of sophisticated contracts and other commercial/corporate transactions. Proven track record of achieving clients business requirements and objectives, including protection of bottom-line and management/reduction of risk, through aggressive and persuasive advocacy, well-conceived strategies, and effective counseling and case/program management. Exceptional interpersonal and training skills. Strong entrepreneurial attitude and background.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Oversaw and managed the planning, design and development of an effective compliance/ethics program for the principal operating company (almost $1 billion in revenues) of a global engineering firm
Broad legal background spanning construction (contract disputes, contract negotiations, professional liability, delay claims, lien claims, fraud, tort- and statutorily-based claims, and others), government (local, state and federal), commercial, IT, environmental (Superfund, groundwater contamination, Clean Water Act), real estate, land use and zoning, condemnation/taking, corporate, personal injury, employment, economic development, and civil rights law
Many years of directly handling and managing a wide range of novel, complex and document- intense disputes, either through litigation, mediation, or arbitration
Many years of diverse transactional experience contracts of all types and complexity, non-disclosure agreements, real estate documentation, software agreements, corporate governance, joint ventures, business organization, etc.
Considerable policy-making and regulatory decision-making experience in the areas of planning, economic development, public safety, employment, budget, and real estate as a member of a local governing body and local authorities and commissions
Created and managed two successful businesses (law firm and publishing/seminar business) demonstrating a strong entrepreneurial attitude


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

PB AMERICAS, INC. New York, NY 2006 to 2008
Chief Compliance & Ethics Officer
Staff: 1 Direct Report Compliance and Ethics Officer

Hired by the principal operating company (almost $1 billion in revenues) of a global engineering firm to create, launch, and manage a more formally structured and effective compliance/ethics program. Activities included compliance and ethics program leadership, the evaluation of the Code of Business Conduct, and the management and development of policies and procedures. Accountable for legal compliance resolution, privacy and personal data program management, training program development, contract review oversight, and senior management relationships. Leveraged legal expertise to resolve legal compliance issues.

Initiated and involved in the development of a web-based compliance and ethics training program by preparing a RFP for the solicitation of an outside vendor, reviewing proposals, interviewing prospective vendors, and selecting vendor.
Updated the Code of Conduct to adopt recent industry standards and to align with the senior managements vision, ethics, and standards.
Reviewed and revised new corporate policies and procedures to guarantee legal adequacy and compliance with ISO requirements, industry best practices and corporate standards prior to deployment.
Teamed with Risk Manager to develop a risk assessment methodology for identifying legal, commercial, and technical risks associated with all awarded projects.
Developed the framework for an internal communications program promoting the compliance and ethics program and further defining acceptable employee compliant and ethical behaviors.
Teamed with others to conduct a comprehensive analysis of corporate record management policies. Principal player in creating a legal hold policy and documents to implement the policy.
Created elements of a comprehensive privacy program. Drafted a Safe Harbor policy enabling the company to participate in a Safe Harbor Framework under the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce (allowing transfer of personal data from EU to US without encountering legal issues from any EU country).
Conducted a comprehensive review of Sarbanes Oxley to help company to move toward becoming fully compliant with the law.
Actively involved in privacy, data protection, and confidentiality issues, both domestically and internationally.
Responsible for the review and negotiating of IT, software and non-disclosure agreements.

ZETLIN & DE CHAIRA, LLP New York, NY 2004 to 2006
Senior Attorney / Principal
Staff: 7+ Direct Reports Junior and Senior Associates and Legal Staff (Paralegals, etc.)

Provided both litigation and transactional services to architectural and engineering firms, developers, and property owners as a member of this leading New York construction law firm.
Litigation matters -- developed and executed litigation strategies to either defend or assert claims on behalf of clients involved in contract, construction, and professional liability (deficient designs, ineffective inspections, delinquent contract and construction administration, etc.) disputes and personal injury lawsuits. Often worked closely with insurance carriers and their claims specialists throughout a case.
Transactional matters negotiated and drafted a wide range of construction-related agreements, including subconsultant and design-build agreements. Worked with clients regarding corporate issues such as shareholder agreements, employment contracts, business operations, and state professional regulations compliance.
Significantly involved in the hiring and management of support and professional staff; the marketing and promotion of the firm; the evaluation of associate performance; and the development of the framework for managing records internally

GOLDBERG & CONNOLLY Rockville Centre, NY
2001 to 2004
Senior Associate
Staff: 4 or 5 Direct Reports Junior Attorneys and Paralegal

Handled both litigation and contractual matters for construction contractors, subcontractors, sureties, and owners, often involving projects in the public sector.
Defended clients sued in state and federal court for defective workmanship, violation of contract terms, exaggerated construction liens, and other legal issues. Legal activities also included filing and foreclosure of construction liens, filing of payment bond and contract claims, construction contract review, negotiations and drafting, and defending sureties in construction related disputes.
Interacted extensively with public owners and public project representatives.

NATKINS LAW OFFICE Oregon, WI 1992 to 2001
Sole Practitioner

Established and managed own law office
Handled local/state government (employment issues, regulatory and development issues, condemnation, zoning and land use, economic development, etc.), construction related, commercial and real estate matters. Represented individuals and both public and private entities.


WICKWIRE GAVIN Madison, WI 1984 to 1992
PARTNER / SENIOR ATTORNEY
Staff: 3 Direct Reports Junior Attorneys and Paralegal

Practice focused on three areas: construction, municipal (including public finance), and environmental (including Superfund, LUST, groundwater, RCRA)
Represented owners (public and private), contractors and design professionals (primarily engineers) on contract matters, public bidding issues, construction liens, and defense of claims
Significantly involved in the hiring and managing of support and professional staff; the marketing and promotion of the firm; and performing staff appraisals

OTHER EXPERIENCE

* LEGAL COUNSEL, League of Wisconsin Municipalities (association of cities and villages), Madison, WI (certain duties included the development and execution of conferences, seminars, the preparation of publications, etc.)
* ASSOCIATE, DeWitt, McAndrews & Porter, Madison, WI
* OWNER, Local Government Services, Madison, WI (publication/seminar business)


EDUCATION

J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School
Ph.D. Candidate in Economics, New York University
B.A. in Economics, Cornell University

SELECTED VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES / PUBLICATIONS

Active Member, New York Bar (Eastern and Southern Districts of New York)
Inactive Member, Wisconsin Bar (Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin)

Member, Oregon Planning Commission (1997 to 2001)
Member, Oregon Community Development Authority (2000 to 2001)
Chair, Personnel Committee, and Member, Oregon Village Board (1997 to 2001)
Co-Chair, Oregon Community Economic Development Commission (1995 to 2000)
Chair, 1996 and 1997 Summer Fest (4-day festival attracting 10,000 people)
Vice President, Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce (1996)

The Daily Reporter, Bi-weekly Columnist, Construction Law Comments
Local Government Services, Inc., Co-author, Wisconsins Open Meeting Law
Local Government Services, Inc., Co-author, Public Construction in Wisconsin
NBI, Co-author, Major Land Use Laws in Wisconsin
Federal Publications, Co-author, Wisconsin Environmental Law
Wrote articles for various publications and newsletters on construction-related matters